Setya Novanto Probe Postponement is Obstruction of Justice:Expert
13 September 2017 13:12 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Criminal law expert Gandjar Laksamana Bonaparta argues that House Speaker Setya Novanto, and suspect of the e-KTP graft case, has abused his authority as a Speaker.
Gandjar’s comment refers to a formal request that was sent by House of Representatives (DPR) Secretariat General towards the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to postpone the investigation against Setya until a pretrial ruling is issued.
Read: DPR Asks KPK to Suspend Setya Novanto Investigation
His expert opinion places it as an intervention from DPR against legal proceedings conducted by KPK. “Because the House has no involvement in the legal proceeding of Setya Novanto,” said Gandjar on Wednesday, September 13.
Not only is it a form of intervention, according to Gandjar, the letter of request can actually be considered as a crime since it coincides with an obstruction of justice. Concurring to Gandjar’s opinion, criminal law expert Chudry Sitompul suggests the legal case that Setya Novanto is involved in is his personal criminal case which has nothing to do with his position as House Speaker. Despite this, Chudry explained that not every investigation suspension is considered as an intervention towards legal proceedings.
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